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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

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What you’ll read?

• Trump and Powell Poised for Potential 2025 Policy Clash.

• Gautam Adani Charged with Fraud Over $250 Million Bribery Scheme.

• Today in AI & Tech

• Tech Companies Tackle "Pig Butchering" Crypto Scams.

  and more…

BUSINESS

Tariffs on Generic Drugs Could Raise Costs for Patients.

Imposing sweeping tariffs on imports, as proposed by Trump, could significantly raise the cost of generic drugs, with over 80% of active pharmaceutical ingredients sourced abroad. Experts argue this policy would increase costs for patients without spurring U.S. drug manufacturing due to low profitability in the sector.

Trump and Powell Poised for Potential 2025 Policy Clash.

As Trump prepares for a new term, his expansionary policies and potential demands for lower interest rates could conflict with Fed Chair Powell's approach to controlling inflation. Their prior clashes over monetary policy highlight a potential repeat of tensions, with Powell emphasizing Fed independence and markets signaling uncertainty about future rate cuts.

Mortgage Rate Drop Spurs October Home Sales Recovery.

A sharp decline in mortgage rates in late summer boosted October home sales, up 3.4% from September and 2.9% year-over-year, marking the first annual rise in over three years. Tight inventory continues to elevate home prices, with first-time buyers and cash purchases declining amid elevated mortgage rates now hovering at 7.05%.

Gautam Adani Charged with Fraud Over $250 Million Bribery Scheme.

U.S. prosecutors have charged Gautam Adani and co-conspirators with fraud, alleging they bribed Indian officials with $250 million to secure solar power contracts while misleading international investors. Adani Group denies the accusations, but the charges have caused a sharp plunge in its companies' stock prices.

TECH

Today in AI & Tech

Coca-Cola Faces Backlash Over AI-Made Christmas Ad.

Coca-Cola’s AI-generated Christmas ad, designed to evoke nostalgia for its 1995 "Holidays Are Coming" commercial, sparked criticism for being "soulless" and sidelining human creativity. Many creatives and consumers opposed the use of AI, arguing it disrupts the holiday spirit and undermines artists’ contributions.

Musk and Ramaswamy Push to End Remote Work for Federal Employees.

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy proposed ending remote work for federal employees, calling it a "pandemic privilege" and a way to shrink the federal workforce. Their Wall Street Journal op-ed suggests in-person work mandates and relocating agencies to reduce costs and streamline government efficiency.

Tech Companies Tackle "Pig Butchering" Crypto Scams.

Tech giants like Meta are combating "pig butchering" scams, where victims are tricked into fake crypto investments through fake online relationships, losing billions annually. Meta has removed over 2 million scam accounts this year, flagged suspicious messages, and joined other companies in a coalition to share scammer data and educate users. Critics, however, argue these efforts remain insufficient given the scale of the problem.

Other

Trump Picks Dr. Oz to Lead CMS Amid Controversy.

President-elect Donald Trump named Dr. Mehmet Oz to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, sparking debate over Oz’s lack of health policy experience and history of promoting unscientific health claims. Critics question his qualifications for managing programs covering over 100 million Americans, while supporters highlight his communication skills and medical career. Oz’s past controversies, including promoting dubious supplements, add to concerns about his selection.

Norwegian Guard at U.S. Embassy Arrested for Espionage.

A Norwegian security guard at the U.S. embassy in Oslo has been arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia and Iran, according to Norway’s security police. The man, in his 20s, is cooperating with investigators who have confiscated substantial digital evidence. While his lawyer acknowledged contact with Russian and Iranian intelligence agents, it remains unclear if he shared classified information. The court approved a four-week detention as investigations proceed.

Trump’s Approach Sparks Global Uncertainty.

As Donald Trump prepares to take office, his expected hardline stance on China and proposed tariffs on European imports are straining U.S.-Europe relations. European leaders, caught between economic ties with both powers, fear diverging priorities. Trump's promises regarding the Ukraine war also raise concerns over concessions to Russia. Amid rising tensions, some European nations consider closer ties with China to maintain their own foreign and economic policies, despite existing disputes with Beijing.

Low U.S. Adult Vaccination Rates Amid Health Concerns.

Vaccination rates for flu, Covid-19, and RSV remain low among U.S. adults, with only 35% receiving the flu vaccine and 18% getting the new Covid vaccine as of November. Despite this, many unvaccinated adults plan to get their shots. The CDC continues to recommend vaccines for everyone aged six months and older, highlighting the risks of these viruses, especially for the elderly and those with certain health conditions. Concerns over vaccine hesitancy, including the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine activist, have raised alarms among healthcare professionals.

It's a Wrap!

Thank you for joining us in this journey through the latest updates and insights. Your engagement and support mean the world to us. We hope you found this newsletter both informative and inspiring. Stay tuned for more exciting news and stories in our next edition.

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Warm regards,
Sarah